Blue Daisy Blog

The gods must have been smiling on us as we made our way to the Tatton Flower Show because the rain stayed away for the day and we were able to enjoy all that Tatton has to offer without resorting to waterproofs... and Tatton has much to offer.

We were in our element with 36 show gardens including 10 flower bed displays - all based on a sports theme this year as a nod to the greatest show on the planet being in London just now.  There were also the orchestra themed gardens, community gardens, the now famous back-to-back gardens and more.  So many, in fact, that we didn't know where to turn!  (But only for a minute because, as ever, it was the show gardens that got - and held for most of the day - our attention right from the outset.)

Had a lovely day at RHS Hampton Court Palace Flower Show at the weekend.  It was my first time there and first impressions were good.  Thankfully they stayed good too.  If you've never been the site itself is impressive... (well, if it was good enough for Henry VIII...) and as you approach the flower show you are allowed glimpses of Hampton Court Palace and some of its gardens - it definitely looks worth a visit in its own right. 

The show ground feels immense - we were there all day and we still felt that we hadn't covered everything but by the time of our departure our senses were well and truly saturated.  Around every corner there was something to grab our attention and to say that we all regressed to 'kids in a candy store' mode it will probably give you an idea of our response!  Here are some of our favourite bits... (click on the thumbnail images for a larger view!)

Below are some of the horticultural events around the country, it's by far not an exhaustive list and will be updated from time to time so do pop back to check.    

If anything spikes your interest just click on the name of the show and you'll be taken through to their website to find out more information or to book tickets.  Do let us know if you are going to any!

It can't have escaped your notice that was the RHS Chelsea Flower Show recently and what a show it was from beautiful displays in the floral marquee through to amazing show gardens!  For me it was the show gardens that really attracted me the most, don't get me wrong I am a plant lover but I prefer to look at plants in situ and see how they work with other plants and different materials.

An RHS Gold Medal and The Best In Show Award went to The Daily Telegraph Garden designed by Cleve West who demonstrates how the more traditional materials can be combined with more modern materials comfortably.  Space too was included in his design which is a brave yet confident move, a lot of show gardens are crammed full but this space added to the calm and peacefulness of the garden.  For me personally it wasn't best in show - call me what you will but I didn't feel inspired and excited by this garden, I loved the planting and the clever use of materials but it felt 'comfy'.

This weekend saw the very first Edible Garden Show which was held at Stoneleigh, Nr Coventry and the weather certainly held for it.  I wasn't sure what to expect with it being a brand new event, sometimes they can be slow to start and feel a little empty, this was not the case!  We went on Sunday and arrived about midday and as we walked what did feel like quite a way to the event we were amazed at the amount of cars that were there.  As soon as we showed our tickets and went in I was really pleased to see a hustle and bustle of people chattering, trying to get to the next stall or just simply asking questions!